King Charles Spaniel

Description

The two ‘Royal Spaniels’ – the King Charles and the Cavalier – share a common history in the miniaturisation of sporting spaniels (see Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, page 000).

With the advent of the early dog shows, a Toy Spaniel club was formed and with this came the first Breed Standard. The Kennel Club planned to name the breed the Toy Spaniel but King Edward VII was keen to have the royal connection maintained so the King Charles Spaniel was adopted as the title for the breed.

Today the King Charles with its domed skull, shorter muzzle and slightly smaller stature is easily distinguished as a separate breed from its cousin the Cavalier, but until 1945 they were shown together as one breed. In the early 20th Century, when short-faced Toy breeds were becoming increasingly popular, these features were selectively bred for by some breeders and until World War I this type was more successful in the show ring. In 1926 a group of breeders preferring the ‘old type’ with the flatter skull and the longer tapered muzzle started to break away in a bid to maintain their preferred type. This lead to their separation, and eventually in 1945 the Kennel Club recognised the King Charles and the Cavalier King Charles as two separate breeds, with the smaller variety, with the domed skull and shorter face, retaining the name which had been bestowed on the toy spaniels by King Edward VII.

From the 1960s the Cavalier became increasing popular and this lead to a decline in the numbers of King Charles. However, in recent years, the King Charles has seen a remarkable revival with breeders working successfully to improve soundness of movement and a more outgoing temperament within the breed.

Breed Group

Toy

Vulnerable Native Breed

Yes

Size

Small

How much exercise?

Up to 30 minutes per day

Length of coat

Medium

How much grooming?

More than once a week

Supposedly sheds? *

Yes

Town or Country

Either

Type of home

Flat

Minimum Garden Size

None

Lifespan

Over 12 Years

* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on
the Kennel Club website.

Varieties

Bobtail

The
Toy Breed Group

The Toy breeds are small companion or lap dogs. Many of the Toy breeds were bred for this capacity although some have been placed into this category simply due to their size. They should have friendly personalities and love attention. They do not need a large amount of exercise and some can be finicky eaters.